With so much work moving online, it can be easy to forget about the hassles of paperwork. However, every now and then there’s that one document that needs you to ink in some corrections or add a fresh signature before it can be sent off. When you need to take a file from the physical to the digital, there is no better tool than a compact and reliable scanner. Scanners are also great for digitizing textbooks, notes, and archives, so you can have your whole library at your fingertips even when you’re on the go. We’ve put together a list of some of the best scanners out there, so you can find the right appliance for your home or office. We’ve selected these scanners for their ease of use, compact design, and reliable image quality. Keep reading to find the perfect scanner to bring your work online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do scanners work?
Scanners work by shining a light on your document that is able to register text images and color. Due to this technology, scanners are able to capture high-quality impressions of anything that you show them. This allows you to make precise copies of all of your documents that you can turn into digital files and store on your hard drive, attach to emails, or even edit digitally.
Are scanners easy to use?
Most scanners are easy to operate and can be set up and used in a pinch. Simply connect your scanner to your computer with the USB cable or Wi-Fi connection, and you should be good to go. All you have to do is input your documents and your scanner will do the rest. Once you have transferred your documents to your computer, you can access them just like any other file.
Buying Guide
It’s easy to see the range of ways that a scanner can take your work-from-home or office set up to the next level. However, with all of the innovative options available it can be difficult to know which scanner is best suited to the tasks on your to-do list. By keeping in mind a few variables you can pick up a scanner that checks all of your boxes and compliments the rest of your office equipment perfectly. Considering what you usually scan, how often you digitize documents, and your working environment should help you to narrow down your selection. Keep reading to find a scanner that will work for you.
There are two types of scanners that people commonly pick up to use at home or at work. We categorize most scanners into one of two groups, either sheet fed or flatbed style. Sheet-fed scanners work by passing documents through their system one page at a time. Flatbed scanners require you to enclose the documents that you need to digitize inside your machine, similar to a photocopier. If you are planning to scan single-sheet documents such as forms or paperwork, a sheet-fed scanner will do the trick. However, if you need to digitize pages from books or magazines, you’ll need a flatbed scanner that is able to accommodate the irregular shape of your documents.
Knowing how often you’re likely to use your scanner can also help you choose the right model for you. If your work only requires you to scan the odd document every now and then, a more compact scanner that won’t take up too much real estate on your desk is a smart solution. Many sheet-fed scanners are small and compact, and are even portable, so you can stow them away when not in use and pull them out again when you need to digitize something. However, if files for you to scan often cross your desk, a flatbed scanner that can accommodate various sizes and dimensions might be the better choice. By investing in a more heavy-duty device, you’ll never feel stuck trying to fit an unusually large spreadsheet or extra chunky textbook into your machine.
Knowing your workspace will also help you to decide on a scanner that will best integrate into your workflow. In the era of flexible working, it’s not uncommon to have to jump into action and fix an urgent office issue from home, or even a coffee shop. Many scanners on the market today can fit easily into a purse or laptop bag, so you can reach for them at a moment’s notice to reliably digitize anything from anywhere. Many of these devices also pair easily with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks, so you won’t have to worry about untangling masses of cables in order to get your documents from your scanner to your devices. By making sure to think through all of these variables before adding a new scanner to your cart you can be confident that you’ve picked the right device to take your projects to the next level.
Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner
Best Overall
Portable Design
This scanner is portable and fast, with the ability to scan both color and black and white documents at the same incredible speed, so you can take your work on the go.
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Pros:
- This scanner is user-friendly and easy to operate
- Quiet enough to use anywhere
Cons:
- May be difficult to find the appropriate software
This scanner measures in at less than one foot, and weighs as little as one and a half pounds, so taking it out and about with you won’t be bothersome or difficult.
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 Versatile Cloud Enabled Document Scanner for Mac or PC, Black
Runner Up
Scans Documents of All Size
This scanner features a smart touch screen that helps you to optimize your scanning process.
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Pros:
- Easy to set up in under a minute
- Quickly scans multiple documents and coverts to PDF
Cons:
- May not always be able to scan true to color
This scanner is Wi-Fi compatible so you can easily connect to your smart gadgets and sync files between them.
Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-Fed Document Scanner for PC and Mac
Contender
Sleek Appearance
This scanner is incredibly light and quick to operate, able to scan a page in as little as five seconds, and is great for digitizing documents such as receipts while out and about.
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Pros:
- Battery powered and easy to recharge with a micro USB
- Integrated controls mean you don’t have to rely on the app
Cons:
- Some features are not available with the mobile version of the app
This scanner features software with smart capabilities that help you organize your files efficiently and quickly.
Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi – The Smarter Wi-Fi Scanner with Rechargeable Battery & Amazing Software
Recommended
Powerful Battery
This scanner is great for digitizing documents when out or in class and helps you to cut down on the number of papers you are saving for later.
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Pros:
- Ready to use as soon as you take it out of the box
- Great for digitizing old photos
Cons:
- May not support certain SD cards
This scanner connects to the cloud and lets you save your documents flexibly without requiring the use of dedicated software.
Raven Pro Document Scanner – Huge Touchscreen, High Speed Color Duplex Feeder (ADF), Wireless Scan to Cloud, WiFi, Ethernet, USB, Home or Office Desktop
Also Consider
Large Paper Tray
This scanner is compatible with a range of cloud-based software and helps you to save your documents however you prefer.
Additional Content:
Pros:
- Does not require a computer device
- Frequent updates
Cons:
- Larger than other similar products
This scanner can create searchable and markable PDFs even from handwritten documents.
